BUFFALO, N.Y. (EYT) – Prior to June 9th, local artist Bob Vrboncic, had never entered any of his work into any type of contest. Attending the Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo, New York as a vendor, Vrboncic decided to take a chance with one of his pieces of art.

Vrboncic is now batting 1.000 when it comes to placing his art in competitions as his bubinga (African) wood jewelry box placed third in the “Creative-Hard” craft category at the festival. There were fifty entries into that specific category and the bronze finish won Vrboncic $250.00.

For Vrboncic, it brought about emotions of excitement as well as shock.

“I was in complete shock,” he told exploreVenango.com.

“Attending the festival as a vendor, I wasn’t even going to enter the contest but my wife convinced me to enter the jewelry box. When I returned to retrieve the box, I stood there with my mouth agape when they informed me that I placed. I had never won anything for my art.”

Vrboncic is the owner of Future Antiquities, LLC which is based out of Marienville. Future Antiquities specializes in custom built furniture and wood products. While their most popular items are works such as jewelry boxes and cutting boards with an intricate three-dimensional design, Vrboncic also added that he does custom work, as well.

For Vrboncic, who retired last year after working for more than thirty years in the golf industry, it’s a hobby that has been ten years in the making for him and his wife.

“I retired last year, and this hobby turned into a bad hobby,” joked Vrboncic who noted that he is currently spending seven days a week trying to grow his new business venture.

Future Antuiquities, LLC has a shop and showroom at 214 Jefferds Drive in Marienville and are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. They can be found online via their Facebook page at Future Antiquities, LLC.